Job creation registered its third positive quarterly reading in a
row. The percent of firms shedding or planning to shed workers
has fallen substantially over the past year. Job creation trends
are holding steady at healthy levels. The employment
expectations NRI was at its highest level since 2006.

The share of respondents whose firms increased their
capital spending over the prior quarter reached a two-year high
of 37%. Nearly half of respondents expect their firms to
further increase capital spending in the next 12 months.
Expectations are highest for investment in computers and
communications equipment, but also turned positive on balance for
spending on structures for the first time in more than two years.